Who is he, the god of the dead with a jackal's head?

Egyptian mythology to this day excites the imagination of not only researchers, but also ordinary people. All stories are like a fairy tale, which is not always kind and bright. There are also terrible stories about curses and the fate of enemies in it. Deities occupy a place of honor in the history of Egypt. Not the last god of the dead with the jackal's head.

Patron of the Dead

According to some legends, Anubis is the son of the god of all plants of Osiris and Nephthys. According to legend, Nephthys for a long time hid the newborn from her husband Seth. The young deity found shelter at the goddess-mother of Isis - sister Nephthys. Later, Seth discovered treachery and ruined Osiris. Anubis personally engaged in burial and wrapped the body of the dead with tissues with a special impregnation.

In the manuscripts of Ancient Egypt, the god of the dead with the jackal's head is depicted sitting on the throne. According to legend, he was the first to make a mummy. He is also the founder of the burial ritual. Anubis is considered a deity who participated in the judgment of the dead, he sent the righteous to Osiris. Unrighteous souls fell into the realm of Ammit. He was portrayed as a man with a jackal's head. According to one of the legends, Anubis found the jackal's appearance to find the parts of the body of the deceased Osiris.

First mentions

According to the legends, Anubis, the god of the kingdom of the dead in Egypt, became the first patron of the underworld. For a long time he was considered the main deity in this kingdom. His task was to transfer the deceased from the living world to the world of the dead. However, after Osiris' death and exaltation, a secondary role is given to him. In the famous Book of the Dead, Anubis is depicted in a scene weighing the heart of the deceased on the scales of justice. He is always helped by his own daughter Kabechet, who takes an active part in the mummification process.

There is still no exact description of the beginning of the life of the deity. This is evidence that the god is more ancient than many could have guessed. His origin is covered in mystery. In addition, the god of the dead with the jackal's head has several names. He was revered in all of ancient Egypt. But the most ardent devotees were the inhabitants of Kinopolis.

How to provide souls with getting to Osiris?

The ancient Egyptians believed that only a deep veneration of the gods would allow them to gain a place in the afterlife. God-patron of the dead personally watched the mummification of the bodies. That is why the priests wore a jackal mask during mummification. In addition, he judged the soul, weighing their hearts on the scales. Thus, he measured their faith in the gods.

In order for the deceased soul to find peace in the underworld, the ritual of embalming must be carried out in strict accordance with the requirements. One slightest error led to a restless wandering of the soul in the living world. To appease Anubis, next to the deceased, it was necessary to put the coat of arms of God. In addition, there were other items that the soul might need.

After embalming, Anubis (god of the dead with the jackal's head), accompanied the soul to the throne of Osiris. Here, in the face of the main deity of the underworld, the heart of the deceased was placed on the scales. On the second cup was supposed to put the pen of the goddess of justice. If the weight of the sins of the soul was outweighed, she was sent to the demon Ammuth. Only souls with a pure heart and thoughts could find peace.

Images of God

Unfortunately, to this day did not reach the whole statues of God. Most of the tombs were plundered. There were daredevils who were not afraid of the curses of the pharaohs and priests. The only surviving statue is the jackal, which was found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. Here he is depicted in full growth on the guard of the treasury. Also, masks were discovered that were used in the embalming process. All found exhibits are carefully kept in museums.